Summary:I wrote the first review for this trail a few years ago and was disappointed with the condition of the trail. I have since moved just a few miles south of this trail and I keep an eye on its condition. It is normally too chewed up with horse traffic to ride. Due to this I never ride this trail. I was on my way to the VASA Singletrack last weekend and noticed a lack of horse activity as I drove by this trail. I decided to give it a shot. The trail was in great shape and I was finally able to enjoy it to its full extent. The trail is nice and rolling with some fun downhills and no hard climbs. I should note that I did not ride the tougher section from post 8 to 10. Hey, it was my first time out this year and I'm not as in shape as I used to be. Being NW lower Michigan, there is a bit of sand here and there, but it is not bad. Gravel has been placed in appropriate locations to effectively fight the sand. Thank you to the DNR for this improvement. The section by the lakes should not be missed. They are beautiful, completely un-developed lakes that make you feel like you're in the middle of nowhere. If you have the time to take a chance on this trail, I would recommend it. There is a chance the horses have chewed it up, but maybe if you go before Memorial Day or later in the fall (watch out for hunters) the trail will be in good shape.

Recommended Route:Follow the sign posts. Remove the section from post 8 to 10 to avoid the more strenuous hills. The section from post 10 to 11 is especially fun.

Other recommended trails in the same area:Vasa Singletrack - Flat, fast, and fun with good mileage.
Sand Lakes Quiet Area - Under-utilized, but usually in decent shape. There are a couple of great sections on this trail.
Vasa XC Ski - Huge mileage and big hills.
Lake Ann Pathway - A bit short, but some fun and challenging hills.
Lost Lake Pathway - A nice, fast, easy ride.
Cadillac Pathway - One of the best. Good mileage, good condition, good terrain.

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Review DateFebruary 20, 2003

Overall Rating 2 of 5

Ridden Trail:Once a year

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Reviewed by: Dan
, from Grand Rapids

Summary:Lots of sand, too many people with horses make it really torn up, but a good workout, and what the heck... I was in the woods with a bike, who can complain?

Other recommended trails in the same area:Vasa

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Review DateJuly 8, 2002

Overall Rating 1 of 5

Ridden Trail:Ridden Once

Visitors rate this review5.00 of 5,
1.00 votes

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Reviewed by: Paul
, from Grand Rapids, MI

Summary:After riding the VASA singletrack I decided to check this one out since I was in the area. I'm glad I had already ridden because this trail has problems. There is a little over 11 miles of singletrack, but I could only get through 2. The horseback riders in the area have the trail so beat up you are working twice as hard as you need to. I guess the horse people can't read because I saw several "No Horses" signs along the trail. Adding to my frustration is the fact that numerous designated horse trails run alongside and criss-cross the bike trail. I know mountian bikers don't own the woods and I think multi-use recreation areas are great, but they only work if everyone stays on their own designated trails. I don't know what other people have found, but I have found the horseback riders to be some of the rudest people in the woods. I walk my dog on hiking trails that bikes aren't allowed on and I rarely see bike tire tracks. It's not hard to find designated places for your activity of choice. Anyway, back to the trail. The terrain is nice and it looks like it would be a nice ride if the DNR could keep the horses on their own trails. I wouldn't recommend riding here until that happens.

Recommended Route:None

Other recommended trails in the same area:VASA X-Counrty Ski, VASA Singletrack, Cadillac Pathway

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